Black people experience disproportionate negative outcomes across the criminal justice system, including 7 times more likely to be stopped and searched.
There is a significant lack of Black representation in certain organisations such as the police, particularly in senior ranks.
There is a gap in trust and confidence between the Black community and the institutions that serve them, such as the police.
The Black community need greater opportunities to scrutinise and hold institutes like the police services to account on disparities.
I joined West Midlands Police in 1992 and served for 30 years. During my service I remained one of only a handful of Black females within the force overcoming personal barriers to become the first-ever black female Superintendent in the West Midlands Police (WMP).
During my career I was an active Diversity Champion for policing. Through my personal insight and ‘lived experience’ I helped to drive organisational changes. I was seen as a valued member of WMP on the issue of race offering support and appropriate challenge where needed.
I became a visible role model within the police and the community. As former chair of the WPM Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA) and National BPA cabinet member, I advocated and celebrated black talent and culture by developing internal initiatives and working with the community.
I developed a reputation as a problem solver who helped to influence and develop a more inclusive culture, shape response to critical incidents in the Black community and better policing. I can describe the challenges tactically and strategically and brings solutions and challenges in a way that achieves results.
In 2022 I was awarded the Queens Police Medal (QPM) for distinguished service - the first Black female officer in West Midlands Police to achieve this award. The award was a recognition of my dedication to public service. In 2019 I was the winner of the Inspirational Leaders Award at the National Ethnicity Awards.
I have experience of chairing cross-agency boards, critical incident projects and resource management and has been praised for my ‘highly visible integrity, ability to inspire confidence with partners and stakeholders and easily takes them with her to a shared vision and best outcome’
I have experience of coaching and mentoring staff for personal, promotion and lateral development, helping them to build resilience for success. I designed the RISE learning academy which developed and delivered a leadership programme which was instrumental in increasing representation at the leadership level for minority groups.
'As a Black woman, I am proud to have been able to dedicate her time to her community working with the police service'.
Having left policing, I still have a desire to continue influencing positive change for the black community. I have created The Thin Black Line to work with organisations to reduce disparity affecting the Black community and to build stronger organisations that work for everyone.
#'If not you, then who?'
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